Stickers that mark out a home as vulnerable to break-ins are circulating in Wandsworth.

After a three year absence, they have emerged again featuring the words “24/7 locksmith” and are so small residents may not notice them.

Wandsworth Times:

The council believes burglars call to houses to see if people are home during the day; this also allows them to check the strength of the security. If a home is worth targeting, they leave a sticker.

This means experienced burglars can then easily recognise vulnerable addresses.

Wandsworth Council’s head of community safety Robyn Thomas said there were concerns it was an “organised system” and urged residents to look out for the stickers.

She said: “It also goes without saying that if people can enhance their home security by fitting sturdy locks to doors and windows and alarms then this will always reduce the chances of them falling victim to thieves and burglars.”

Acting Inspector Guy Osborne said a number of people had reported finding the stickers.

He added: “If you know anything which may help with police enquiries or see anything suspicious, please call 999 in an emergency or 101 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

For advice about home security and tips on how to combat burglars, call the council’s community safety team on (020) 8871 6567/8894, email communitysafety@wandsworth.gov.uk or visit the website